RICE, April 26 – Diane Violet Eskew, 48, of Rice, passed away on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at the VCU Medical Center. Her husband and son were by her side.

She was born in London, England on February 20, 1964 to Leonard and Maureen Eustace. She graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic Convent in 1980. Mrs. Eskew arrived in Dallas, Texas in 1982. One of her first jobs was working in the financial industry. This job enabled her to travel all across the United States. She married Bill W. Eskew on June 24, 1995 and lived in Rice.

In 1998, she took a position at The Gantt Insurance Agency, as an agency manager. Her customers loved her British accent and appreciated her professionalism and dedication. She always had time for new employees and loved the challenges associated with her career. While at the Gantt Agency, she continued her insurance training to always be the best at her job. Professional designations that she earned included: Certified Insurance Service Representatives (2000), The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (2002), Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (2007), and the Certified Professional Insurance Agent (2011). Diane V. Eskew, AFIS, CISR, CPIA, Cle.

Mrs. Eskew was agent of the year at the Gantt Agency in 1999 and 2002 through 2011. She will truly be missed by customers, friends, and colleagues in the insurance industry.

She loved horseback riding and traveling, but hated airplanes. She had a kind and considerate demeanor and often thought of others first. She was strong willed and never walked away from a problem. She faced them head on. There is no telling how many lives she touched.

Mrs. Eskew is survived by her husband, Bill W. Eskew of Rice; son, Christopher A. David of Farmville; two stepsons, Clint Eskew of Manassas and Chad Eskew of Warrenton; her mother, Maureen Eustace; brother, David Eustace; sister, Linda Puttock; two nieces and two nephews, Andrew and Michael Eustace, and Georgina and Chloe Puttock, all of London, England.

A family visitation will be held at Puckett Funeral Home on Monday, April 30, at 10 a.m. A funeral service will be held in the Chapel at 11 a.m. and a graveside service will follow at Westview Cemetery, Farmville.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or The Professional Insurance Agents Education Foundation of Virginia.

Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, is in charge of arrangements. www.puckettfh.com